Fall Automotive Challenges

 

Did you know? The Fall months are some of the most challenging for drivers and their cars. Why? After Summer, upkeep of our cars and trucks takes a back seat to going back to school, work, and life in general. It’s easy to take your car’s or truck’s performance for granted, and with the upcoming expenses of Thanksgiving and Christmas, we sometimes tempt fate. Let’s not tempt fate – instead, do these simple check-ups that will save you money and time while avoiding a horrible surprise.

Check your wipers. Wipers are often neglected, but once they’re replaced, we notice the improved vision during both day and night. Fall leaves and sticks always seem to damage our wipers. Wipers are an inexpensive upgrade to both your safety and the safety of others. This simple fix is a DIY project that could save you from an unwanted accident.

Check your battery. Make sure your battery cable ends are tight and free of corrosion. Such a simple issue caught at home or by your shop can save you the BIG headache of an unexpected breakdown. Then again, if a breakdown was expected, wouldn't you do something to make sure it didn’t happen?

Check your tires. Fall brings new roadway challenges of wet leaves on the roads. Make sure the air pressure of your tires is at the manufacturer’s specifications. Look at the wear and tread depth. Most tires today have wear bars. Lastly, check your tires for abnormal wear. Do your tires have the steel belt showing on the edges? If so, please purchase new tires as soon as possible.

Check your heating and defroster. Fall creeps up on us quickly. Make sure you take a moment to check both the heater and defroster for proper operation. Does the temperature change as you adjust the temp control? If so, GREAT! If not, this could be caused by a low coolant level. If your coolant level is low, take your vehicle to your shop and have them check for leaks. Switch your climate control from heater to defrost to make sure your hot air is coming out of the correct locations. Again, if something is not quite right with the operation of your HVAC system, take your car into your shop for a checkup of this system.

Lastly, is it time to change your oil and filter? Our suggestion as to where to take your vehicle for a complete service is to the shop that does your repairs. Why? Think of your shop like you do your doctor. Your car’s doctor is the shop that does your repair work. When you allow them to do your routine service, they become familiar with the sights and sounds of your vehicle. This is important because all cars and trucks don’t have the same noises or may look a little different under the hood. Give your repair shop every opportunity to work in the best interest of you and your car.

With all those listed tips, have a great and blessed time of the year.  Remember Pugh’s Auto Service’s free SHOT inspection if you need any of these systems checked, free of charge. What is a SHOT Vehicle Inspection? Sight, Hearing, Odor and Touch. Now you can tackle Fall with confidence!!!!!!

Checklist: Is your Car Rain-Ready? ✅✅✅

Delaware residents have been singing the familiar jingle “rain, rain, go away” for well over a week due to the overcast, rainy skies that have been plaguing the State since the beginning of February.

Thankfully, a reprieve has come, but according to Mr. Weatherman, that reprieve will be short lived. With another long wet spell heading our way, it would be beneficial for drivers to make sure their vehicles are ready go.

So, how do you get your car ready to ride in the wet weather? Surprisingly, it’s not a difficult list to check.

Check Your Tires

Given that the last time you had your tires changed was at the beginning of the winter season, if not before that, a good place to start would be to check the Tread Depth of your Tires. You do this by placing a penny between the treads of your tires. If the Tread doesn’t come to President Lincoln’s head, then you’re in need of Replacement Tires.

At Pugh’s Automotive Service we Install Tires and include the Mount and Balance in the price of the installation.

Check Your Brakes

Since your Brakes are responsible for bringing your vehicle to a halt in a timely manner, it is an excellent idea to have your Brake Pads checked before the rainy season gets going.

In wet weather, your Brake Pads will often squeak when you first use them. This isn’t a cause for concern unless the Squeak persists. If the sound continues after you have driven the vehicle for a bit, this could indicate that your Brake Pads are low and need to be replaced.

With so many different driving styles, it is difficult to give a range of how long you should go between Brake Replacements, which is why it recommended to have them checked every 3,000 miles or every three months. Basically, have your Mechanic check your Brakes at every Oil Change.

Turn on Your Wipers

Checking your wipers may seem like a very easy and commonplace idea, but that is exactly why your Wiper Blades can be overlooked until the moment you need them most.

If you see rain in the forecast, turn your Wiper Blades on for a quick test by using your Washer Fluid controls. If your Wipers are leaving streaks, then that could indicate a couple of things. First, they could just be dirty, in which case all you need to do is wipe them off. If that doesn’t help, then chances are your Wiper Blades are old and need to be replaced.

Now, if you go to use your Washer Fluid and the Wiper Blades don’t move at all, that could indicate a bigger issue. This could mean anything from a Bad Fuse to a Failed Wiper Motor, both of which need to be diagnosed by a professional Automotive Mechanic.

Check Your Headlights

Again, checking to make sure your Headlights Operate Properly seems like an obvious practice, but it is a step that is often overlooked.

Since it is required by law that your Headlights must be on if your Wipers are moving, then this is definitely something you want to make sure is working properly.

If you have Automatic Headlights, all you need to do is start your car and walk around front. If both lights are on, then you are all set. If you have to manually turn on your Headlights, then start your car, find the Headlight Control located on the side of your steering wheel and turn it to the “on” position.

If by some reason your Headlights do not come on, whether you have manual or automatic Headlights, you should take your car to a Mechanic to see what the problem is. Typically, the only problem is a Bad Headlight Bulb, but you could also have Burning or Loose Wires, a Bad Relay, or a Bad Headlight Switch.

Whatever the issue, make sure to have this repaired by a professional Mechanic, as replacing bulbs in some vehicles can be tricky.

If you were able to get through this list without a hitch, then you are all set for the next rainstorm that comes along! If not, then don’t fret, Pugh’s Automotive Service in Dover is there to help make sure your car is ready for whatever the weather throws our way.

To schedule an appointment, just visit our website or call (302)734-4231.

Ceramic Brake Pads vs Semi Metallic? Which should you be Using?

When it comes to parts, brakes have got to be among the most important on your car. They are responsible for your ability to slow down and stop. They are an extension of your ability to react, and if they can’t perform you and your loved ones could be put in danger.

That is why it is very important to know what kind of brakes your Auto Shop uses when replacing the brakes on your car.

I’m sure you are asking “what do you mean by what kind of brakes.” We mean there are several kinds, the two most common being Ceramic and Semi Metallic.

So, which is better? Here are the pros and cons of each.

Semi Metallic Brake Pads are made with anywhere between 30-70% of metal. Because of this, and the fact that they use abrasive friction to slow your vehicle, they can cause the parts in your Brake System, like the Brake Rotors and Calipers, to wear out faster.

Semi Metallic brake pads also create a noisier ride because of the metal on metal contact between your Brake Pads and Rotors. This can bother some drivers that like a quieter ride, and it can fool others that who are used to that Squealing Sound, akin to nails on a chalkboard, that’s produced when they get too worn down.

A Plus to Semi Metallic Brake Pads is that they conduct heat very well. This can make them ideal for performance vehicles or for driving in extremely hot temperatures.

Ceramic Brake Pads are made from similar materials as those used to make ceramic pots and plates, but they are much denser and more durable. They also have copper fibers embedded within them which allows them to conduct heat better.

About 30% of all mechanics use Ceramic Brake Pads when replacing Brakes, and there are a number of reasons why.

Ceramic Brake Pads offer the quietest ride of any other type of Brake Pad. They also produce a lot less Brake Dust due to creating adherent friction as opposed to the abrasive friction that Semi Metallic Brakes use. Due to this, Ceramic Brake Pads break down slowly, lasting longer than Semi Metallic Pads.

Ceramic Brake Pads are also more reliable under a larger range of temperatures and conditions, which makes them an ideal replacement. Ceramic Brake Pads are better able to displace heat caused by friction. Less heat equals less stress on your Rotors and Calipers which will ultimately extend their life.

The one drawback to Ceramic Pads is that they tend to cost slightly more. However, given that they tend to last longer than Semi Metallic Pads, you will save more in the long run. This is because they are specifically engineered to perform under a wide range of conditions, while also providing you with a much quieter ride.

When it comes right down to it, Ceramic Pads are the best option to use when replacing the Brake Pads on your vehicle. That is unless you live in a desert or drive like a NASCAR star. However, if you drive like the average person commuting from point A to point B, you should be in great shape with a set of Ceramic Brake Pads.

If you think you may need to replace your Brakes, then make sure to call a reputable Automotive Repair Shop like Pugh’s Service Automotive to replace them. If you would like to schedule an appointment, you can visit www.pughsservice.com, or call (302)734-4231.